York-based Alt-Country/Americana duo Mulholland release their debut album 'North Country', on 25th March 2016 with a home-town performance at The Basement, City Screen in York.
In the few months since becoming a duo in July 2015, husband and wife, Stan and Ann Smith have been busy performing regularly and writing this varied set of lyrical songs. They are influenced by the sounds of America’s heartlands and cover subjects such as everyman and his burden, unfulfilled dreams, lost love (sometimes reclaimed) and the lure of the itinerant life all underpinned by strong, intertwining vocals and harmonies and a rootsy fiddle sound. Ann said ‘We feel that we have truly found our voice with this album and have taken many years’ worth of influences from Bob Dylan to Laurel Canyon to Jason Isbell via the Byrds and distilled them down into these songs. We were lucky enough to work with a number of great musicians from York and the surrounding area all of whom made outstanding contributions to 'North Country' and give it a real home town feel.’ The eight track album is the result of six months of work with producer Vinnie Whitehead (of Vinnie & the Stars). Recorded at Loom Studios in Batley and Vinnie’s studio in York, the album comprises seven self-penned songs by the duo and one cover. Stan commented, ‘We wanted to take our time over the album so that the end result would be a blend of the right instrumentation and vocals, but still retain the essential live qualities that define Mulholland. Vinnie has done a great job of achieving this.’ Early mixes of the tracks ‘Black Feathers’ and ‘My Wasted Heart’ have received radio play on BBC Introducing York, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Vale Radio, BCB Radio as well as on Americana radio shows The Troubadour Show, The Horseshoe Lounge and United Sounds of Americana. Mulholland will be joined for the album launch gig by The Lungs and The Bronze. Stan said, ‘We are delighted to be joined by both of these duos. We have been fans of The Lungs, with their dark, offbeat take on country, for a long time and the delicacy and feeling of The Bronze’s songs is just breathtaking. This will be a real treat.’ Most of the musicians who contributed to 'North Country' will also be playing at the gig and the entire album will be played on the night. Mulholland have also invited local artist Jo Walton of Rogues Atelier to exhibit her lino prints at the evening. Tickets for the album launch gig cost £6 in advance and £8 on the night. A copy of 'North Country' will be given away with each ticket purchased. Tickets are available from The Basement at City Screen in York (telephone no. 0871 9025726 or online).
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